The Anson was
the RAAF's first retractable undercarriage, low wing monoplane, and
served in great numbers (1,028 aircraft) following 1935 orders, when the
RAAF set out to modernise its equipment.

It stayed in
service until 1955, when the few remaining examples of this faithful
machine were terribly outmoded.

It was initially intended for general
reconnaissance, and particularly maritime patrol. The majority were GR.1
versions, delivered between 1936 and 1938. It began to be replaced in
the maritime role by the Lockheed Hudson from 1940.
Already dated, the Anson moved to its well-remembered role as a
multi-engine, observers, gunners and navigators training aircraft within
the Empire Air Training Scheme. 66, 67, 71 and 73 Sqns. continued
anti-submarine patrols off eastern Australia from 1942.

Most RAAF Ansons ended their
operational careers soon after World War 2, the last to retire being Mk.
X VM375 (many Ansons retaining RAF serials), which served at Woomera
Rocket Range, South Australia, as one of two communications Ansons
between November 1947 and October 1955.

A number of Ansons continued to fly in
civil roles with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, various regional
operators, police, scientific research bodies, and private owners,
including former Queensland Premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen, who used
one for agricultural work. In the 1960s a series of accidents involving
aircraft of similar construction to the Anson led to restrictions, and
ultimately to withdrawal of Certificates of Airworthiness. The last
pure-bred Anson to fly, VH-BEL / W2121, had its certification extended
until September 1962 to complete a survey contract in Western Australia.

An Anson Mk.I continued to fly in
private ownership. It was a hybrid Mk.I with a metal Mk. XIX wing fitted
to circumvent the certification restrictions, and made various air show
appearances.
In the 1990s several Ansons were under restoration. One appeared on the
Australian civil register in June 2001.